The Green Bay Packers won't need to wait much longer before they get the services of playmaking safety Charles Woodson back in the lineup. Although coach Mike McCarthy said that Woodson likely won't be ready to return from his broken collarbone for Sunday's Week 14 game against the Detroit Lions, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports Woodson is on track to play in the team's Week 15 showdown against the Chicago Bears.

The Packers' defense has been doing its best to hold up without vital cogs such as Woodson and outside linebacker Clay Matthews (hamstring) in the lineup. It's been difficult, as they have given up big plays against both the pass and the run.

Charles Woodson broke his collarbone earlier this season. (AP Photo)

Woodson can help in both areas with his great versatility as a cover man, blitzer and run-support player. So while the Packers will need to deal with red-hot Lions wideout Calvin Johnson at home without Woodson's help over the top on Sunday night, he can make a huge impact in a more critical NFC North game against the Bears a week later.

The Packers, who have the same record as the Bears (8-4), are the current division leaders, thanks to their win over Chicago at Lambeau Field in Week 2. Woodson would be a big help as they try to sweep their archrivals at Soldier Field.